My Teen Is Talking About Suicide — Now What?

As a parent, those words land like a crash. The fear is instant. Your mind races: What do I say? What if I say the wrong thing? Is this real? What if I miss something?

Hearing your teen talk about suicide is terrifying. It can leave you feeling helpless, frozen between wanting to act quickly and not knowing what step to take. But this moment — right now — is a vital one. 

In this article, the professionals at Kiwi Recovery offer insight into what your teen might be going through, how to talk about suicide in a direct yet compassionate way, and what to do next. You are not alone, and neither is your teen.

Table of Contents

• Should Parents Be Concerned About Teen Suicide? The Facts
• My Teen Is Talking About Suicide — What Do I Do?
• 6 Tips for Talking About Suicide With Your Teen
• Commonly Asked Questions About What To Do When Your Teen Is Talking About Suicide
• Kiwi Recovery: Help Your Child Thrive With Our Effective, Evidence-Based, Outpatient Behavioral Health Treatment in Concord, MA

Should Parents Be Concerned About Teen Suicide? The Facts

Teen suicide is a heartbreaking and growing concern. It’s not just a statistic — it’s a devastating loss of young lives full of potential, and it’s affecting more families than ever before.

According to research published in JAMA Network Open, more than 85,000 teens aged 10 to 19 in the U.S. died by suicide between 1975 and 2016. What’s especially alarming is how these numbers have shifted in recent years.

Historically, teen boys have died by suicide at rates3 to 4 times higher than girls. Their suicide rate peaked in the late 1980s and early ’90s, declined for a time, and then began rising again after 2006. Experts believe that earlier declines may have been due in part to improved screening and treatment of depression, particularly by pediatricians.

But over the past decade, girls' suicide rates have sharply increased, doubling between 2007 and 2015. While the reasons are complex — from rising social pressures to the effects of social media and mental health stigma — the trend is deeply concerning.

Today, suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10 to 24. While these rates are still lower than in older age groups, the rise in teen suicides serves as a wake-up call for all of us: early intervention, open conversations, and compassionate support can save lives.

If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone — and help is always available. If your teen is talking about suicide, it’s important to learn the best ways to support them.

Hearing your teen talk about suicide can feel overwhelming and confusing. You want to help, but it’s hard to know exactly what to say or do. The good news is that there are clear steps you can take to support your teen and keep them safe.

Here are 6 essential tips for navigating these difficult conversations and situations:

• Stay calm and listen without judging.
• Don’t be afraid to ask direct questions.
• Ensure their immediate safety.
• Seek professional help.
• Reassure them of your support.
• Don’t handle it alone.

Each of these points is crucial in helping your teen feel heard, valued, and safe. Let’s take a closer look.

#1: Stay Calm and Listen Without Judging

When your teen opens up about suicidal thoughts, your first instinct might be fear or urgency, but what they need most in that moment is your steady presence. Let them speak without interruption. Try not to react with panic, disbelief, or quick fixes.

Listen closely, with empathy and openness. Show them that their feelings are valid and that you're here to understand — not to judge or minimize. Phrases like "You're just being dramatic" or "You'll feel better tomorrow" can shut the door on future conversations. Instead, take their words seriously. What they’re sharing is real, and your calm attention could be the beginning of healing.

#2: Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Direct Questions

It’s a common fear among parents: “If I ask about suicide, will it put the idea in their head?” The truth is — it won’t. In fact, asking direct, compassionate questions can be a life-saving step.

Gently but clearly ask: “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?” or “Have you thought about how you would do it?” These questions don’t encourage suicidal thoughts. Instead, they give your teen permission to speak honestly and openly about what they’re going through. It shows that you're strong enough to hear their pain, and that you’re here to help them carry it.

#3: Ensure Their Immediate Safety

If your teen is in immediate danger — if they’ve made a plan or you fear they might act soon — your first priority is safety. Call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room. You won’t be overreacting. You’ll be protecting their life.

At home, remove or secure anything that could be used for self-harm, including medications, sharp objects, and firearms. Even if they don’t appear to be in immediate crisis, creating a safer environment can reduce the risk and give everyone space to breathe and begin the next steps toward healing.

#4: Seek Professional Help

You don’t have to navigate this alone — and you shouldn’t. A licensed mental health professional, especially one who specializes in working with adolescents, can make all the difference in your teen’s recovery and safety.

Start by reaching out to your teen’s pediatrician or primary care provider for trusted referrals. You can also contact local mental health clinics or school counselors for support. And if your teen is in crisis, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7 across the U.S.

If you’re in the Boston area, Kiwi Recovery offers specialized outpatient treatment for teens and young adults struggling with mental health challenges, including suicidal thoughts. Our compassionate team creates a safe, structured space where your teen can heal, reconnect, and build the tools they need for lasting wellness.

Getting help isn’t a sign that something’s wrong with your child. It’s a sign that you care enough to get them the support they need.

#5: Reassure Them of Your Support

One of the most powerful messages your teen can hear during a dark moment is simple: “I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.”

Let them know they’re not alone. Not now, and not moving forward. Remind them that struggling doesn’t make them broken, and needing help doesn’t make them a burden. Your steady, nonjudgmental presence can become a lifeline.

Small daily moments matter: sit with them during dinner, invite them on errands, check in with a text or a hug. These actions can help break isolation and show that healing is a shared process — one you’ll walk through together.

#6: Don’t Handle It Alone

Supporting a teen who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts can feel overwhelming, and no parent should try to face it alone. Reaching out to a licensed therapist for yourself can help you process your emotions, manage stress, and gain clarity on how best to support your child. It’s also important to loop in trusted adults like teachers, coaches, or school counselors — those who regularly interact with your teen and can provide additional eyes, ears, and encouragement.

Remember, professional help is available, not just for your teen, but for you, too. At Kiwi Recovery, we offer specialized programs for teens and families, including therapy, counseling, and support groups tailored to your unique challenges. You don’t have to go through this without guidance.

Does Talking About Suicide Make It More Likely To Happen?

This is one of the most common — and dangerous — myths surrounding suicide. The truth is, talking openly about suicidal thoughts does not increase the risk. In fact, research consistently shows that asking direct, compassionate questions can reduce the sense of isolation and shame a teen may feel, making it more likely they’ll open up and seek help.

Honest conversations show your teen that you're a safe person to turn to. When done with care and empathy, talking about suicide can be the very thing that interrupts a crisis and leads to healing. Creating connections is a powerful form of prevention. Sometimes just knowing someone is listening can make all the difference.

What Do I Do if I Sense My Teen Is in Immediate Danger?

If you believe your teen is in immediate danger of harming themselves, act quickly and decisively. Don’t leave them alone, and remove any means of self-harm from their environment if possible. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 for immediate support.

After the crisis, ongoing care is essential. Kiwi Recovery offers specialized teen mental health programs designed to provide the structure, therapy, and support needed during and after a mental health crisis. We’re here to help you and your teen navigate the next steps toward healing — safely and together.

What if My Teen Doesn’t Want To Talk About It?

It’s not uncommon for teens to shut down when faced with difficult conversations. If your teen isn’t ready to open up, let them know the door is always open: “Whenever you want to talk, I’m here to listen and support you.” Reassure them that you're not there to judge or fix them, rather to support them, no matter what they're going through.

Often, teens open up in unexpected moments, like during a car ride, while doing chores, or when you're simply sitting side-by-side. When that happens, resist the urge to offer immediate solutions or ask “Why didn’t you…?” Instead, just listen. Let your teen lead the conversation and trust that showing up consistently matters more than saying the perfect thing.

Kiwi Recovery: Help Your Child Thrive With Our Effective, Evidence-Based, Outpatient Behavioral Health Treatment in Concord, MA

At Kiwi Recovery, we understand how challenging it can be to support a teen struggling with mental health issues or suicidal thoughts. Our compassionate, evidence-based outpatient programs in Concord, MA, are designed to meet your child where they are.

We offer individualized therapy, skill-building, and family support to promote lasting healing and resilience. With a team of experienced clinicians dedicated to teen mental health, Kiwi Recovery provides a safe space for your child to grow, recover, and thrive. Reach out today and take the first step toward brighter days for your family.

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The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.